By the end of this module, participants will be able to design, deliver, and adapt astronomy-based mental health activities that are safe, inclusive, and effective.

The Five Phases

1. Assess
2. Define
3. Design
4. Implement
5. Review

Phase 1. Assess

Purpose
Understand your audience, context, and needs.

Outputs

• Context brief
• Stakeholder map
• Target group profile
• Resource and risk register with ratings
• Referral map
• Ethics and consent notes

Steps

1. Context and community: Identify participant demographics, astronomy conditions, and local services.
2. Stakeholders and partners: Map partners who unlock access, trust, or safety.
3. Target group profile: Name stressors, strengths, and access needs. Identify advisors.
4. Resources, risks, referrals: Assign roles, scan risks across five domains, create referral map.
5. Ethics and consent: Decide on minimal data, secure storage, and clear consent wording.

Gate check

• Target group and delivery mode are clear
• One referral pathway confirmed
• Top risks have mitigations
• Consent and data plan drafted

Phase 2. Define

Purpose
Set aims, outcomes, and measures.

Outputs

• One astronomy outcome
• One well-being outcome
• Success indicators
• Mini evaluation plan

Steps

1. Objectives: Choose one astronomy outcome and one well-being outcome.
2. Success indicators: Use before and after sliders, percentage choosing an action, recall of a sky anchor, incident count.
3. Mini evaluation plan: Keep to one page with indicators, methods, timing, and responsibility.

Gate check

• Outcomes are simple and observable
• Evaluation fits on one page
• Data burden is minimal

Phase 3. Design

Purpose
Choose content, techniques, and safeguards.

Outputs

• Activity blueprint
• Safeguarding plan
• Pilot plan
• Materials list

Steps

1. Content and mode: Select one or two sky anchors and decide how to deliver them.
2. Inclusion and access: Provide seating, clear paths, plain language, journaling or listen-only options.
3. Safeguards: Prepare content notice, opt-downs, quiet space, and referral contacts.
4. Materials: Gather equipment such as lights, seating, sky maps, and first aid.
5. Pilot: Test with your real audience, observe clarity and tone, refine as needed.

Gate check

• Partner review complete
• Safeguards and referral map ready
• Pilot confirms mechanism works

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